A Funeral Service for Paula Ann Titus will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Reverend Jan Gluth King officiating. Interment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege.
Paula’s funeral service will be live-streamed and posted to the Bethel Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/Bethel.Holdrege/videos/1418637438662688
Paula Ann (Erickson) Titus, 82 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Paula was born in Holdrege, on November 4, 1941, the first of four children, to Paul William and Ann Louise (Johnson) Erickson. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church. Paula attended Holdrege Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1959. She then pursued higher education at Hastings College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
Following her education, Paula began her teaching career in York, Nebraska, where she taught for two years. Upon moving to Holdrege, she taught sixth grade for three years and also took on the role of art coordinator.
On July 3, 1965, Paula was united in marriage to Louis George Titus at Bethel Lutheran Church and to this union, they were blessed with four children: Eric Johnson, Ann Kathryn, Louis Theodore, and Matthew William. The family made their home in Holdrege where Paula focused on raising her family. Her house was always the hub of activity for friends and neighborhood kids. The kitchen was never closed, and the food was always amazing. Paula was also often found at the family cabin at Plum Creek, throwing amazing parties for friends and family. She loved her children immensely, and her grandchildren even more so. She was always supportive of her family member’s new chapters in life and wanted to help with their achievements any way she could.
After the death of her husband, Paula began working at First National Bank in public relations. She loved organizing coffee and cookies every Friday, hosting employee Christmas and retirement parties, and genuinely loved greeting and helping customers.
Paula enjoyed everything Swedish, whether it was baking her famous cinnamon rolls or sharing knowledge of her Swedish heritage. She was proud of her roots and loved giving back to the community. Paula founded the Tre Kronor Swedish Club, which evolved into what is now widely known as Swedish Days, celebrated every June. She was the organizer and first president of Phelps Memorial Service League. She was also involved in Boy Scouts for 32 years where she trained many leaders, ultimately reaching the highest achievement possible, receiving the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award. She served 28 years on the Holdrege Tree Board, and also worked on the Red Cross Disaster Unit for years. Paula was a member of Eastern Star, and for more than 50 years was a dedicated member of Chapter H, P.E.O.
She was a lifelong and faithful member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed many bible studies, helped with church circles, and taught bible school. Paula was always willing to offer her time and talents to support any church activity. She was very proud that her grandchildren were sixth generation members of Bethel Lutheran Church. Her faith and her relationship with our Lord and Savior strengthened her through life’s many challenges.
Paula loved entertaining and hosting many parties and events. She was a wonderful cook, an over-the-top decorator, and was always dressed to the nines! She enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, and cherished time spent visiting with her friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Liscomb Johnson “Jo” and Jane Youngson Titus; husband, Louis in 1991; son, Matthew Titus in 1999; and grandson, Hayden Nelson in 2024; brothers-in-law, Marvin Westcott; and John Titus.
Paula leaves to celebrate her life; her children: Eric Titus and his wife, Diane of Holdrege; Ann Kansanback and her husband, Joel of Prior Lake, Minnesota; and Ted Titus and his wife, Afton of Holdrege; grandchildren: Bronson Titus and his fiancé, Olivia Skiles; Lauren Titus; Hunter Nelson; and Kypton Hollertz; her siblings: Vicki Westcott; and Frank Erickson and his wife, Debbie all of Holdrege; along with many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A memorial in Paula’s honor will be designated at a later date.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.